OSU Cooperative Extension has great tips for homeowners to make their house a safe, healthy and stress-free environment. Of course, the information provided is based on reliable research which is proven to be effective and safe.

OSU Cooperative Extension has great tips for homeowners to make their house a safe, healthy and stress-free environment. Of course, the information provided is based on reliable research which is proven to be effective and safe.

Sonya McDaniel is the Family and Consumer Science Extension Educator for Pottawatomie County. Her job is to deliver information over basic home economic skills to the public. She has 15 years of experience in teaching basic family relations, nutrition and meal planning, family budgeting and household management through the OSU system.

She owns a small farming operation with her husband in southern Pottawatomie County where they raise hair sheep, goats and cattle. They are busy keeping up with an on-the-go child, 5 dogs and one giant cat. Sonya definitely understands that running a home and family takes thought, time and money which all seem to be in limited supply!

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension service does not discriminate because of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran and is an equal opportunity employer.

Keeping a clean home can reduce allergens and irritants, help prevent injury, and make you happy! You don't have to have a picture perfect house, but cleanliness goes a long way to create a healthy house!

Control the source of dust and contaminants, creating smooth and cleanable surfaces, reducing clutter, and using effective wet-cleaning methods.

Reduce dust brought inside

Take your shoes off when entering the home

Invest in good equipment

– Doormats for all exterior doors

– Grate in front of door

– Shoe should hit the mat four times (10-12 feet)

Create a smooth and cleanable surface. What does smooth and cleanable refer to?

For example, wood floors are easier to clean than carpet. Carpet acts like a “sink”, capturing and holding contaminants. If you do have carpeted flooring, make sure you have a good working vaccum and use it often.

Here’s another example: Do you have hotspots that attract stuff like a magnet? Stuff piled on tables counters, etc. are not smooth and cleanable.

Reduce clutter in your home which can be hiding places for dust, dirt and allergens.

NO-STREAK GLASS CLEANER

¼ cup white vinegar

1 tbsp. cornstarch

1 quart warm water

Mix the ingredients and apply with a sponge or pour into spray bottle and spray on. For lint-free results, wipe dry with crumpled newspaper, buff to a shine.

Recipe taken from the University of Georgia Green Cleaning curriculum.

Information provided by Dr. Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Housing Specialist – 7 Principles of a Healthy Home Workshop Series.